Diamond miracle hurls Botswana to Africa�s elite,but...

Botswana has now over 7, 000km of tarred road from just 7km in 1966
Botswana has now over 7, 000km of tarred road from just 7km in 1966

As Botswana marks half a century of independence, it is clear that the discovery of the diamonds has played the biggest part in the incredible development story of the country. Although concerns have since emerged about the country’s lack of progress in diversifying exports away from diamonds, BusinessWeek staff writer ISAAC PINIELO reflects on how the country has progressed since 1966

Botswana has always been described as an African success story since it has managed to transform itself from one of the poorest nations in the world into a modern, upper middle-income country.

At the time of independence in 1966, Botswana was one of the poorest countries in the world, with a predominantly agrarian economy.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

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